While Zeke had a feeling the Ancient Gods still existed in the world, he was nonetheless bewildered when he found evidence of their existence.
After searching the cave for a long while, he had to give up because he couldn't find anything else.
Subsequently, he brought Golden Cicada back to base.
On the way back, Zeke coldly offered, “I'll give you a chance to live, Golden Cicada.”
Joyously, Golden Cicada expressed his gratitude. “Thank you, Mr. Williams!”
“Of course, you need to help me do something in return. I want to annex the Northern Faction, so you'll need to talk to them about it and persuade them.”
With a grimace, Golden Cicada explained, “But... I'm afraid I can't help you with that, Mr. Williams. I'm not the leader of the Northern Faction anymore, and they kicked me out. It's doubtful they'll even listen to what I have to say...”
“Come up with a plan yourself if you want to live.”
Fine... Golden Cicada sighed and racked his brains for a plan to persuade the Northern Faction to submit to Zeke.
After running around for the whole day, Zeke felt slightly tired. Before falling asleep, he briefly studied the way of forging divine weapons with Ossa Dei.
Not long after he slumbered, he suddenly heard a familiar voice speaking to him. “Are you asleep, Zeke?”
What? This is Lacey's voice! When he recognized her voice, he jolted awake and sat up in bed. “Is that you, Lacey? Where are you?”
“I'm here.” Lacey's voice seemed to be originating from the living room.
Zeke couldn't even bother to wear his shoes as he dashed toward her voice.
Inside the living room, Lacey, who was in a set of plain clothing, was washing his clothes. Despite the sweat on her tired, reddish face, she still looked as beautiful as ever.
It's Lacey! It really is her! The moment he saw Lacey, whom he had missed so dearly, he could no longer hold back his yearning and burst into tears. “You're back, Lacey! I'm so happy! Do you know how much I miss you, Lacey? I'm sorry that I came here so late and made you suffer for so long...”
Lacey gently wiped Zeke's tears away. “My goodness, Zeke. You're actually crying! This is the first time I've seen you cry.”
With difficulty, Zeke squeezed out a smile. “It's because I'm ecstatic, Lacey. These are tears of joy.”
Not long after he slumbered, he suddenly heard a familiar voice speaking to him. “Are you asleep, Zeke?”
“Let me go, Zeke. I can barely breathe. How long has it been since you last washed your clothes? Let me do it for you.”
However, Zeke refused to loosen his hug. “No. I'm scared that you'll leave me again if I let you go. I feel worse than death without you...”
Out of nowhere, Lacey sighed heavily.
Zeke frowned. “Why are you sighing, Lacey?”
With a smile, she assured, “I-It's nothing... You should leave this place quickly, Zeke.”
“Sure. I'll bring you with me.”
“I'm sorry, Zeke, but I'm afraid I can't leave with you.” Lacey heaved another sigh.
“Why not?” Zeke was surprised.
“Don't ask me why. Just leave here as soon as you can. This place is too dangerous for you. I'll feel guilty for the rest of my life if anything happens to you. Don't worry, Zeke. I'm very safe here. Nothing bad will happen to me. Perhaps... Perhaps one day... I may be... able to... leave this place... to find you... Remember... to take good care... of Nelly... Tell her that... I love her...”
Why is her voice breaking up and getting weaker? Lowering his head, Zeke stared at Lacey. “What's wrong, Lacey?”
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